Expert Says There is Communication Between Bengals and Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the NFL’s most intriguing teams in recent years, thanks in large part to their explosive offense and improving defense. A key figure in their defensive success is Trey Hendrickson, the star defensive end who has been a force since joining the team in 2021. Recently, an NFL insider made a fascinating claim: there is ongoing communication between the Bengals and Hendrickson regarding his future with the team.

This revelation has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. What does this mean for Hendrickson’s long-term status in Cincinnati? Could a contract extension be in the works? Let’s break down the situation and explore what this communication could lead to.

Hendrickson’s Impact on the Bengals

Since signing a four-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals in 2021, Trey Hendrickson has been nothing short of dominant. In his first season, he racked up 14 sacks, helping propel Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance. He followed that up with another strong year in 2022, recording 8 sacks despite battling injuries. In 2023, he was even better, posting 17.5 sacks—just half a sack behind the league leader, T.J. Watt.

Hendrickson’s ability to pressure the quarterback has been a game-changer for the Bengals’ defense. His relentless motor, combined with his technical skill, makes him one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. Beyond stats, his leadership in the locker room has been invaluable for a young defense still finding its identity.

Why Communication Between the Bengals and Hendrickson Matters

Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, meaning he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 unless the Bengals extend him. Given his production, he’s due for a significant pay raise. The fact that discussions are already happening suggests that both sides want to avoid a standoff.

1. Preventing a Holdout Situation

Star players entering contract years sometimes hold out of training camp or preseason games to pressure their teams into negotiations. By engaging in early talks, the Bengals and Hendrickson can avoid unnecessary drama and ensure he’s fully focused on the season.

2. Securing a Key Piece for the Future

The Bengals’ championship window is wide open, but keeping their core intact is crucial. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins (assuming he stays) are the offensive cornerstones, but Hendrickson is just as vital on defense. Locking him up long-term would solidify the Bengals’ pass rush for years to come.

3. Managing the Salary Cap

Cincinnati has several big contracts to manage, including Burrow’s record-breaking extension. Extending Hendrickson now—rather than waiting until he hits free agency—could allow the Bengals to structure the deal in a cap-friendly way, spreading out bonuses and guarantees.

What Would a New Contract Look Like?

Hendrickson’s current deal pays him an average of $15 mi ll i o n p erye a r * *, b u t e l i t e p a ssr u s h ers a re n o w co mman d in g * *$ 25 million+ annually. Players like Nick Bosa ( $34 mi ll i o n / ye a r), T . J . Wa tt ($ 28 million/year), and Joey Bosa ($27 million/year) have reset the market.

Given Hendrickson’s production, a fair extension would likely land in the $22-26 million per year range. Key factors in negotiations will include:

Guaranteed money (likely $50M+ fully guaranteed)
Contract length (3-4 years)
Incentives (sack bonuses, Pro Bowl/All-Pro escalators)

If the Bengals can strike a deal in this ballpark, it would be a win-win: Hendrickson gets paid like a top-tier defender, and Cincinnati keeps a cornerstone player in his prime.

Potential Roadblocks

While both sides seem motivated to get a deal done, there are hurdles:

1. Age Factor

Hendrickson will turn 30 during the 2024 season. While he’s shown no signs of slowing down, teams are often hesitant to give long-term deals to players in their 30s due to injury and decline risks.

2. Other Financial Priorities

The Bengals still need to address Tee Higgins’ contract situation (whether via extension or trade) and eventually Ja’Marr Chase’s mega-deal. Balancing all these contracts while staying under the cap will require careful planning.

3. Market Competition

If Hendrickson hits free agency, multiple teams would likely pursue him aggressively. The Bengals may need to act now to avoid a bidding war.

What’s Next?

With communication already underway, the next steps could unfold in one of three ways:

Extension Before the Season – The ideal scenario. Hendrickson signs a new deal in the summer, securing his future in Cincinnati.
Play Out 2024 and Reassess – The Bengals could let Hendrickson play on his current deal and negotiate during or after the season.
Franchise Tag in 2025 – If no deal is reached, the Bengals could use the franchise tag to keep him for another year, buying more time for long-term talks.

Given Hendrickson’s importance, the Bengals will likely push for Option 1. Keeping him happy and motivated is critical for their Super Bowl aspirations.

Final Thoughts

Trey Hendrickson has been a transformative player for the Bengals, and maintaining his presence is essential for their continued success. The fact that communication is already happening is a positive sign, suggesting both sides are motivated to find common ground.

If an extension gets done, it would send a strong message that Cincinnati is committed to keeping its core together. If not, the Bengals risk losing one of the NFL’s best pass rushers at a time when their championship window is wide open.

For now, fans should stay tuned—this story is far from over, and the next few months could determine whether Hendrickson remains a Bengal for the long haul.